Maggie Geha – Mr. Iglesias

By starrymag | July 19, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

 

A) My all-new Netflix original series “Mr. Iglesias” was just released globally on June 21st! Binge baby, binge!

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the new series “Mr. Iglesias.”

 

A) Stand-up comedian phenom Gabriel Iglesias stars as a good-natured high school history teacher who works at his alma mater and tries to help gifted but misfit students. It’s a classic, feel-good, multi-cam sitcom with an edge and with heart. Sherri Shepherd plays Principal “Paula Madison” and Oscar Nuñez plays Vice-Principal “Carlos Hernandez,” the villain of the show. Cree Cicchino plays one of the top students “Marisol Fuentes”…It’s a star-studded cast and I’m beyond grateful to be a part of it.

 

Q) How was your character Abigail Spencer originally described to you?

 

A) Abby’s character description… She’s the new teacher at school who is the idealistic antidote to her lazy colleague “Tony” (played by Jacob Vargas). “She is genuinely excited – almost annoyingly so – to be shaping the future through her teaching. She’s not hopelessly naïve, she’s hopefully naïve. Abby believes in the fundamental goodness in people, a faith that is being put to the test as she adjusts to life in the big city after growing up in South Dakota.” So, don’t nobody come for me saying I’m annoying. I’m supposed to be annoying! [laughs]

 

Q) Was there something you added to the role that wasn’t in the initial breakdown?

 

A) I tried to give Abby some sass, confidence, an underlying knowing attitude. She may be naive and more book-smart than anything else at this juncture in her life, but through her experiences she is growing and I hope I demonstrated that there’s more to her than meets the eye. She’s not an idiot and she stands up for herself when she needs to. I think she has a bit of a dark side too.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on the show?

 

A) Most of the cast I was not familiar with, but that’s not saying much because I’ve never been a big consumer of television or movies. I was; however, a huge fan of Oscar from his work on “The Office.” Also, shortly after we began shooting, I was re-watching one of my favorite movies Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion with my best friend because (*gasp*) she had never seen it. That movie is around twenty years old, so I didn’t put it together until his first appearance that “Ramon” was played by Jacob Vargas! I wish I had video of my friend and I falling off the couch, jumping up and down, screaming with laughter at this realization.

 

Q) Talk about working with Gabriel Iglesias.

 

A) Aw, Gaber. I just love him. He’s one of the most generous, hardworking people I know. He made sure the cast and crew got to enjoy food trucks on him all the time (with vegan options and I’m pretty sure I was the only vegan on set). He gave us all the nicest wrap jackets ever. He reassures me when I’m in my head or beating myself up like no one else can- he’s just that type of guy. He entertained us constantly on set. It just comes naturally to him – it’s who he is. He likes to make people laugh. He wants to make people happy. Gabe is the embodiment of our shows’ motto set by our show creator Kevin Hench: “Work hard and be nice.”

 

Q) Was there much room for improv during scenes?

 

A) Absolutely. Especially with Gabe’s background in stand-up he encouraged it. On show nights we would make sure to get a couple takes on book, exactly as the script is written, but improv in front of the live studio audience was where the show found, I think, some of its best moments.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from filming?

 

A) Oh, there’s too many to count. At the wrap party Gabe showed us all a blooper reel and I think those moments where we screwed up are actually my favorite. And that’s the fun part of being in the studio audience during a live taping – you get to laugh at all our mistakes with us. It’s a hoot.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the show that will make it a fast fan favorite?

 

A) I think with such a strong and diverse ensemble cast, there’s a character everyone can relate to in some way. And I’m nostalgic about the sitcom format because it reminds me of the shows that were around when I was a kid. It’s family-friendly and has a lot of important messages and heart, but ultimately, I hope people will just enjoy great laughs. It’s the best medicine!

 

Q) We loved you on “Gotham.” What did you personally take away from your time on the show?

 

A) Thank you! I learned a lot about the business and about myself as a person and an actor on “Gotham.” I also made lifelong friends. I’m very grateful for the experience and playing such an iconic character that I personally have always identified with, Poison Ivy, was a literal dream come true. Also, the “Gotham” fans are some of the sweetest, most intelligent, most talented fans and I love them.

 

Q) You seem to bounce easily between drama and comedy. Do you have a favorite medium to star in?

 

A) Growing up a lot of people told me I should do comedy. I’m definitely a goofball. But I have a real passion for dramatic work and find it just as fulfilling but in a different way. I couldn’t pick a favorite because they’re so different that I don’t think they can really be compared. In general, I just don’t do favorites!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) That I love you, I appreciate you, and I hope I make you proud!